Do I give baby as much as he wants to eat?

[Portlypenguin]

Hi,
I have just started weaning my 5mo old son - he is under the care of the paediatricians who have advised me to start weaning now rather than waiting another month.
I started with baby rice a week ago and have now introduced apple puree. I am really keen that he doesn't fill himself up too much on low calorie purees at this stage and still gets enough milk. He seems keen on the solids and is eating more than I expected - is this okay? How would I know if he is eating too much and not getting enough milk?
I may be worrying over nothing - this is my first baby and we have had some difficulties with establishing good weight gain and he has been in hospital twice with infections. Well now though.
Thanks.

[Natzer]

I think the advice is to milk feed an hour before solids to ensure they still get the amount of milk and that the solids are secondary at this stage.

But if he has had his milk and still wants lots of solids, seeing as you say you have struggled with weight gain, I would let him eat as much as he wants (within reason - of course).

I understand they should have at least 20oz of milk once weaning, but obviously depends on how many meals etc. My dd has a proper breakfast and proper lunch so only has 20oz.

[JiltedJohnsGhoulie]

Agree with Natzer, if he has had his milk an hour before offering the puree then you can offer as much as he'll eat (might have an unwelcome affect on his bowels though [hgrin]). If you are worried you could try adding his milk into the purees, just to boost up the calories. Once he is six month you can add fullfat cow's milk to his food instead of ebm or ff.

[Portlypenguin]

thanks!